If ever there was a way to travel back in time than Woodstock would top my list of destinations. Unfortunately, such a traverse is a generous number of years away. I'm therefore forced to allow Hollywood to take me there instead. That in itself, is a dangerous proposition. Though the ambiance was secure, Ang Lee, the director of the film, missed a few notes in the reality of the event and in the depth and differences of those who attended.
"Taking Woodstock" is being released during the 40th anniversary celebration of this cultural outcry. It's hard to believe that I would be writing this article at 70 years old had I actually attended this three-day schmorgesborg of peace and love. The script itself is based on the book by Elliot Tiber, which dives deeper into the homosexual lifestyle of Elliot Teichberg, who is played in the film by comedian Demetri Martin. In the film, the decision over whether or not Elliott is gay or bisexual is completely up in the air and handled rather poorly. Though it is shown that Elliot is clearly sleeping with a male friend in the film, you can't overlook the love in his eyes as he speaks to Carol (Christina Kirk), a female collaborator in the running of Woodstock. It's a relationship that never comes to fruition though you never give up hope that something there will blossom. What's more, the over emphasis on homosexuality amongst hippies is a down-right hippieism that I personally refuse to accept. Just because hippies cried for freedom and love does not mean that every male participant was sleeping with the others.
The consequences of drugs in the film deserved a lot more care than this light hearted discovery of self will offer you. In one potentially gripping scene, Teichberg is offered acid by characters in the script who are simply known as VW Girl (Kelli Garner) and VW Guy (Paul Dano). Teichberg is taken inside of their Volkswagon Bus while the couple waits for the drugs to take effect. Once inebriated, the couple takes advantage of their guest in a session of technicolor rape. Though Teichberg (under the influence) willingly participates, I believe that the film would have been better suited to allow Martin's character to battle inner torments of regret, hope, and confusion with his life at that moment. The only redeeming positive in Teichberg's acid trip is in providing the single greatest shot in the film, which pictures a surreal vision of the concert itself. A romantic interpretation of what it must have felt like to be present at Woodstock.
The film is littered with similar instances and relationships which were screaming out for further exploration and growth. Teichberg's parents, played by Henry Goodman (Jake) and Imelda Staunton (Sonia) were particularly mistreated. The breakthrough performance in this film was played by the amazingly talented Liev Schreiber. Schreiber portrays an ex- marine/now cross dresser named Vilma who is a protector and guiding light for the Teichberg family. This angelic character is certainly a positive influence for change in an otherwise dysfunctional situation. What's interesting still, and never explained, is Schreiber's relationship with Teichberg's father. What appears to be a romantic situation may be nothing more than a friendly ear, and a positive essence, which eases Jake back to life. Unfortunately, like so many moments in this film, the potential for depth was ignored.
"Taking Woodstock" is being released during the 40th anniversary celebration of this cultural outcry. It's hard to believe that I would be writing this article at 70 years old had I actually attended this three-day schmorgesborg of peace and love. The script itself is based on the book by Elliot Tiber, which dives deeper into the homosexual lifestyle of Elliot Teichberg, who is played in the film by comedian Demetri Martin. In the film, the decision over whether or not Elliott is gay or bisexual is completely up in the air and handled rather poorly. Though it is shown that Elliot is clearly sleeping with a male friend in the film, you can't overlook the love in his eyes as he speaks to Carol (Christina Kirk), a female collaborator in the running of Woodstock. It's a relationship that never comes to fruition though you never give up hope that something there will blossom. What's more, the over emphasis on homosexuality amongst hippies is a down-right hippieism that I personally refuse to accept. Just because hippies cried for freedom and love does not mean that every male participant was sleeping with the others.
The consequences of drugs in the film deserved a lot more care than this light hearted discovery of self will offer you. In one potentially gripping scene, Teichberg is offered acid by characters in the script who are simply known as VW Girl (Kelli Garner) and VW Guy (Paul Dano). Teichberg is taken inside of their Volkswagon Bus while the couple waits for the drugs to take effect. Once inebriated, the couple takes advantage of their guest in a session of technicolor rape. Though Teichberg (under the influence) willingly participates, I believe that the film would have been better suited to allow Martin's character to battle inner torments of regret, hope, and confusion with his life at that moment. The only redeeming positive in Teichberg's acid trip is in providing the single greatest shot in the film, which pictures a surreal vision of the concert itself. A romantic interpretation of what it must have felt like to be present at Woodstock.
The film is littered with similar instances and relationships which were screaming out for further exploration and growth. Teichberg's parents, played by Henry Goodman (Jake) and Imelda Staunton (Sonia) were particularly mistreated. The breakthrough performance in this film was played by the amazingly talented Liev Schreiber. Schreiber portrays an ex- marine/now cross dresser named Vilma who is a protector and guiding light for the Teichberg family. This angelic character is certainly a positive influence for change in an otherwise dysfunctional situation. What's interesting still, and never explained, is Schreiber's relationship with Teichberg's father. What appears to be a romantic situation may be nothing more than a friendly ear, and a positive essence, which eases Jake back to life. Unfortunately, like so many moments in this film, the potential for depth was ignored.